April is National Foot Awareness Month, and we want to spread the word about the importance of daily foot care for people living with diabetes. Simple foot assessment, care, and education saves limbs and improves quality of life.

5 Critical Education Points for Lower Extremities

• Inspect feet everyday for blisters, cuts, redness, sore or anything that doesn’t look right. Contact provider right away.
• If there are red marks on the foot after a person takes off their shoes, chances are, the shoes are too tight. Too tight of shoes are the leading cause of new ulcerations. There should be room in the toe box for the toes to wiggle.
• Dry feet can lead to skin cracks and infection. Apply non-perfumed lotion daily to top and bottom of feet.
• Evaluate the person’s ability to safely cut nails, especially if there is toenail fungus. Remind them to cut straight across and not to close to the quick. To soften nails, apply petroleum jelly 5 minutes before clipping or clip after a shower.
• Evaluate foot sensitivity and nerve health with a monofilament. You can request your monofilaments here.
• There are so many more tips that can save limbs. Please see the resource below for more detailed info and strategies.

Foot Care for a Lifetime – Educational brochure

Foot Assessment Form – from Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention Program (LEAP)

To learn more, you can purchase and view our Lower Extremity Webinar which details lower extremity assessment and teaching strategies.

Also contains foot deformity diagrams and visual instructions for the monofilament test and ABI calculation.

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Join us for free on May 3rd @ 11:30 a.m. PST

Join us to get ready to succeed a the CDCES Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.

Topics covered include:

• Changes in requirements for 2019
• Exam eligibility and test format
• Strategies to succeed
• Review of study tips and test taking tactics.

We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Intended Audience: This FREE webinar is designed for individual or groups of diabetes educators, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants and other health care providers interested in achieving excellence in diabetes care and becoming Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists®.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.

See our Preparing for CDCES Resource Page >>

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Black and Hispanic children are being targeted with unhealthy advertisements, a new study finds. “Junk food comprised 86% of ad spending on black-targeted programming and 82% of spending on Spanish-language television in 2017.”

Not only are these companies targeting these groups, but they are targeting them with their unhealthiest products.

A report by the Rudd Center, a research and policy group working to combat childhood obesity, looked at the advertising efforts of 32 food and beverage companies that spent upwards of $100 million just to reach children in 2017.

Researchers compared these findings to a study done in 2013 and they found a big disparity between what minority youths was exposed to compared to white children.

“In 2013, black youth saw 70% more food-related ads than their white peers. By 2017, black children saw 86% more than white kids, and black teens saw 119% more than white teens, the study found.”

Although there has been a movement towards offering healthier options, researchers believe that these efforts were more PR than put into advertising for children, particularly within Hispanic and Black communities. Only 3% of ads for healthy options went towards advertisements, 1% of that went to black-targeted programming and little to none to Hispanic children. This means that Spanish-language television didn’t have ads for healthy food, instead had up to 20% for candy.

“At best, these advertising patterns imply that food companies view Black consumers as interested in candy, sugary drinks, fast food, and snacks with a lot of salt, fat, or sugar, but not in healthier foods,” said Shiriki Kumanyika, one of the study’s authors and chair of the Council on Black Health, in a written statement.

Kumanyika believes these companies are contributing to an increased risk in obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure in these communities. “According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 26% of Hispanic youth and 22% of black youth were deemed obese, versus 14% of whites and 11% of Asians. The worst off, though, were Hispanic boys at 28% and black girls at more than 25%.”

CNN attempted to contacted the companies who were studied in this report but all denied to comment except Hershey, which responded that the data was “not accurate.” Claiming their is a difference between “reaching” and “targeting” viewers, and they are “targeting” adults or decision makers in the household not their children.

Researchers are hoping that food manufacturers will consider the effects of their advertising on health and aim to promote healthier food to children all over. Even if the ads are being “targeted” toward adults, children are often influenced by the choices their parents make.

It is important to support health equity for everyone, no matter where they are from. Marketing does have power and can improve health by promoting healthier products.

To learn more: “Black and Hispanic youth are targeted with junk food ads, research shows” – CNN

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The question of the Week – April 23rd, 2019

Sign Up for Diabetes Blog Bytes Today

Do you know the best way to prepare for the CDCES exam? Want more questions like this? Really test your knowledge and prepare with our 1-Year Subscription, with over 34 online courses and 50+ CEs.

You can also download our free CDCES Coach App!

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Happy Earth Day from Diabetes Education Services. To celebrate, we are addressing the issue of food packaging and it’s impact on the environment. We plan to address this urgent issue more over the coming year.

“Meal Kits Have Smaller Carbon Footprint Than Grocery Shopping, Study Says”

Meal kits like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh provide the convenience of fresh, delivered ingredients straight to your doorstep! However, many are concerned with the environmental impact they may have since the contents of the box are often wrapped in plastic.

A study was released that says despite the packaging, the meal kits have a lower carbon footprint than buying the items at a grocery store and preparing them at home.

“The study, published Monday in the scientific journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling, examines the whole life-cycle — from farm to garbage can — of meal kits and their grocery store equivalents, and finds that, on average, grocery store meals produce 33% more greenhouse gas emissions than their equivalents from Blue Apron.”

The decrease in emissions comes from less food waste and a streamlined supply chain. Although there may be unnecessary packaging, the overall footprint is affected by the amount of food waste at the end of the meal.

Since the food kits offer a recipe and all the necessary ingredients, people tend to utilize everything in the box, rather than throwing away old produce.

“According to a U.N. report, if food waste were a country, its production, processing and distribution would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, just behind the U.S. and China.”

A study performed by the USDA In 2010, found that 31% of food produced in the United States is wasted.

Despite the plastic packaging of the meal kits, they may be an excellent option to help aid in portion control and environmental impact.

Happy Earth Day!

To learn more: Meal Kits Have Smaller Carbon Footprint Than Grocery Shopping, Study Says – NPR

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Free Webinars Include:

Diabetes and Language – What We Say Matters

What we say matters. As educators, advocates, spouses, friends, and providers, our use of language can deeply affect the self-view of people living with diabetes everyday. The language used in the health care setting is immensely important in determining the success of the interaction and long term relationships. Thoughtful communication provides a sense of support and empathy and moves both the provider and person with diabetes toward greater satisfaction and success.

Resource Page & Printable Handouts 

Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter Webinar

Being a diabetes educator can be challenging. This one-hour presentation by Heather Nielsen, MA, LPC, CHWC will provide diabetes educators with helpful hands-on strategies to incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion into our daily lives and professional practice

Resource Page & Printable Handouts 

New Horizons – Getting to the Gut, Meet Your Microbiome

This one-hour complimentary journey will expand your view of how trillions of bacterial hitchhikers profoundly influence our health. We will discuss how foods, the environment and our medical practices have impacted our gut bacteria over time and strategies we can take to protect these old friends. Join us!

Join us live! New Horizons – Getting to the Gut at  11:30 a.m. PST – 1:00 p.m. PST. Click below to sign up:

November 12th, 2019

Resource Page & Printable Handouts

Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam

This free webinar will review changes in BC-ADM requirements for 2019, exam eligibility and test format, strategies to succeed along with a review of study tips and test taking tactics. We review sample test questions, and reasoning behind choosing the right answers.

Join us live! All upcoming FREE Preparing for the BC-ADM Webinar: 11:30 a.m. PST – 1:00 p.m. PST. Click below to sign up:

• May 8th, 2019
• July 31st, 2019

Resource Page & Printable Handouts

Preparing for the CDCES* Exam:

Not sure where to start? Join us live or listen to our On Demand version by registering today! Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the CDCES^® Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test taking tips!

Join us live! All upcoming FREE Preparing for the CDCES Exam Webinar: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PST. Click below to sign up:

• May 3rd, 2019
• June 5th, 2019
• July 12th, 2019
• August 2nd, 2019

Resources Page & Printable Handouts

View All Diabetes Education Services Free Webinars here

No CE units are provided for our FREE Webinars, but we have good news:  Visit our Diabetes Ed Online University where you can earn CEs from your desk!

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Webinar Testimonials:

“I think Beverly’s presentations are fantastic. I’m an RN, MSN, CDCES and I’ve had type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years. Nevertheless, I always take away something from Beverly’s presentations. Great teaching techniques, great pacing, great content. Of all the diabetes education I’ve received as a CDCES, Beverly is my favorite presenter, hands down. Thank you so much.”

Ann (Meds for Type 2 Webinar)

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“I have never been disappointed in any presentation delivered by Beverly and this is no exception. It was very helpful to know how to best use my study time and what areas to focus on as well as the details of how to interpret the questions. I use the Diabetes Educations Service frequently and find it to be a valuable resource in increasing and improving my career path in diabetes education. Thank you for this wonderful service and support!!!”

D (CDCES Webinar)

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“I am so pleased my coworker told me about your services/website.  Your enthusiasm for helping diabetes patients in the way that fits THEIR needs, budget, etc. really shone through in the broadcast. Thanks again!“

Diane Priest, RD/LD, CDCES

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“Thank you so much for hosting the webinar today. I found the content to be extremely helpful and helped motivate me to really get ready for the CDCES in November. Thank you for all you do to further my DM knowledge base and for making a difference in the diabetes community.”

Ling, PharmD (CDCES Webinar)

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“Beverly,   Loved the mini series again today!  You do such a fantastic job and I feel so lucky to have found you and your website!  Every time I listen to one of your webinars  I always learn something new.  Even if it might be on a topic I’m starting to feel pretty confident with. Thank you!!”

Kathleen Paganelli

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“Very useful information about type 1 diabetes prevention research. Alot of this I was not aware of.”

Adrienne

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American teenagers who incorrectly perceive their weight are more likely to have unhealthy eating habits and be less active overall. Teenagers who accurately perceive their weight are more likely to make healthy choices and not take part in risky diets.

The study analyzed data from over 12,000 American teens, 32% of which were obese or overweight.

• “Nearly 23 percent of the teenagers studied, misjudged their weight.
• 11.6 percent incorrectly believed they were overweight, and
• 11.3 percent believed they weighed more than they should while thinking it’s healthy and underestimating their weight.”
• Researchers also found the girls were more likely to misperceive their weight then boys.

Teens who incorrectly believed they were overweight were less likely to drink fruit juice or milk, eat fruits, or have breakfast on a regular basis.

Teens who were actually overweight or believed they were overweight were least likely to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week, the researchers noted.

This misperception of weight strongly correlated with adult obesity later in life. “Early childhood interventions to promote appropriate weight-related perception and weight management could have a lasting impact on chronic disease burden, in addition to preventing unhealthy diet and physical inactivity in youth,” he suggested.

Weight perception has also been linked to eating disorders, which are a leading cause of morbidity in American teens. Schools are now encouraged to provide education on eating disorders, weight misperception and providr examples of healthy behavior.

Researchers also believe that developing a regular exercise routine early can help a child maintain health habits into adulthood.

To learn more: Teens Often Off the Mark About Their Weight, With Unhealthy Results – HealthDay

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According to studies published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, adults who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, may improve their insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, even when controlling for BMI.

“It has been suggested that vegetarian diet may have a potential protective effect on the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications,” Xiuhua Shen, MD, PhD, of the department of nutrition in the School of Public Health at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, and colleagues wrote.

Researchers were trying to answer the question whether vegetarian diets increase insulin sensitivity due to weight loss or is it a result off the plant based diet itself?

279 vegetarians and 279 matched omnivores, were gathered for the study. The group was further divided to include those observing a vegan diet. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess glucose and insulin levels. The vegetarians had a overall lower percentage of obesity and average BMI. “Vegetarians also had a 1.4% proportion of insulin resistance compared with a 4.7% proportion in omnivores (P < .05), the researchers reported.”

“A plant-based diet with a variety of foods rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which may have a direct effect on alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, may account for the higher insulin sensitivity in vegetarians, and especially vegans,” the researchers wrote. “Vegetarians, especially vegans, may be in a healthier insulin sensitivity status than omnivores, which is not completely accounted for by the difference of BMI.” – by Phil Neuffer

Please enjoy other Plant Based Resources here

To learn more: Vegetarian diets show potential for boosting insulin sensitivity – Healio

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